5 highlights from the royal wedding, and what's next

Friday

Apr 29, 2011 at 12:01 AMApr 29, 2011 at 6:31 AM

Staff reports

5 highlights from the royal wedding:

1. The dress: Grace Kelly-esque bride Kate Middleton wore an ivory and white satin dress with lace sleeves and shoulders, designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house, according to CNN. Her thigh-length veil was held in place by a Cartier diamond tiara, and her train measured 2.7 meters (almost 9 feet) according to the Sydney Morning Herald of Australia.

2. The titles: Prince William and Princess Catherine are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reported CNN and E! Online.

3. The crowd: About a half million people were expected to watch the event on giant screens at Hyde Park in central London. Cheers from crowds outside could be heard inside Westminster Abbey after key points during the ceremony, such as the vows. About a million people lined the streets of London, cheering as the couple and guests arrived at the abbey. It's estimated that 2 billion people watched the ceremony on TV around the world, according to Forbes.

4. The ceremony: The traditional, solemn service was full of pomp and circumstance, choirs and hymns. Prince Harry served as best man, and Middleton's sister Pippa was maid of honor. Middleton's father walked her down the aisle and stood up with her during the ceremony, and brother James gave a reading. The prince greeted his bride with a "You look beautiful" at the altar. The service lasted about an hour.

5. Afterward: As the couple left the abbey, bells pealed, crowds cheered, flags waved and confetti was launched. The couple, beaming and chatting, proceeded around London in an open-air carriage.

What's next for the royal couple? A honeymoon, a visit to Canada, the prince's continued duty in the Royal Air Force and, quite possibly, children, reports the UK's Evening Standard.